As we prepare to enter the new year, we look back on our work at Caritas of Austin and its impact on our community. Caritas’s Chief Programs Officer, Adelita Winchester, reflects on the year and shares four key lessons that are shaping how we support our neighbors and strengthen our community.
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE
In 2025, our teams saw a growing need for expanded mental health resources. Whether to help with life’s hardships or to improve overall mental stability, access to consistent support is essential. Our staff has developed new partnerships with local therapists to support clients on their path to mental well-being. These collaborations give clients additional assistance and resources for timely care.
2. STABLE HOUSING TAKES COLLABORATION
Austin’s rising cost of living means that securing affordable housing continues to require consistent partnerships, advocacy, and creative solutions. Throughout 2025, Caritas worked with property managers, legal partners, and community organizations to ensure our neighbors had access to safe, appropriate, and fair housing.
It is essential to help clients navigate complex issues such as lease renewals, accessibility accommodations, and housing discrimination. Strengthening our collaboration with local legal aid organizations helps us guide neighbors through these challenges and ensure their housing rights are respected. This support plays a key role in long-term stability for the people we serve.
3. EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT CREATES LONG-TERM STABILITY
Supported employment continues to be one of the most powerful tools for building financial stability, pursuing new opportunities, and maintaining housing. In 2025, the need for employment support services remained high.
Caritas remains committed to expanding these programs and providing clients with access to job coaching, employer partnerships, and individualized support.
”Education, employment, and steady case management remain the foundation of long-term housing retention,” said Adelita. With continued investment, these services create more opportunities for financial growth and better opportunities, resulting in long-term stability.
4. FURRY FAMILY MEMBER NEEDS CARE TOO
One unexpected but meaningful lesson was the increasing need for pet-related support. Many of our housed and unhoused neighbors rely on their pets for companionship and stability.
To address this need, we strengthened relationships with groups like Travis County’s animal services team so clients can access pet supplies, guidance, and emergency planning resources. We also updated our intake process to help clients plan for their pets in the event of a sudden crisis.
This is a reminder that stable housing is about creating a place where a household can thrive, including pets.
LOOKING AHEAD
Entering 2026, Caritas of Austin is focused on continuing to build programs and supportive housing communities that open more doors for our neighbors. From expanding leadership development opportunities for staff to strengthening community partnerships, the year ahead offers many opportunities to increase current impact.
Every lesson from 2025 moves us closer to a community where everyone has a stable place to call home.
